This essay is the product of my investigation on the functionality of Fair Trade in the cultivation of coffee in El Valle de La Convención, Peru. Fair Trade was created 25 years ago with the aim of improving the lives of small farmers through a system of trade that values democracy and fair pay. Now, many researchers have studied Fair Trade to analyze its impacts – but the majority of existing literature on the subject is missing the voice of the producer. For this reason, I situate my study in the perspective of the small farmer. Using the technique of in-depth interviews, I evaluate the failures and successes of Fair Trade that are most relevant to producers. To support my data, I also present a comparison of the experiences of certified farmers with those of non-certified farmers. My research also includes an analysis of the role of the cooperative, which is the intermediary in the Fair Trade system.

I conclude that, despite Fair Trade, several external forces – the low price of coffee in the international market, the yellow rust plague, and more attractive jobs – are causing the suffering of farmers in El Valle de la Convención. The farmers do not feel supportive by Fair Trade nor their cooperatives. Furthermore, the mismanagement of funds by the cooperative, including the Fair Trade premium, has created distrust in the farmers. Far from fulfilling its objectives, Fair Trade is not guaranteeing a democratic system, or fair treatment to the farmer. After 25 years with the same model, it is now time to rethink Fair Trade.

Disciplines

Agribusiness | Civic and Community Engagement | Family, Life Course, and Society | Inequality and Stratification | International Trade Law | Politics and Social Change